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That includes two dates in five weeks with the Philadelphia
Eagles, starting Sunday in East Rutherford, N.J.
With only one victory in their last five games (1-3-1), the
Giants (7-4-1) are nearly out of time to turn things around.
"I think you just got to get ready to play the next week and the
next team," New York head coach Brian Daboll said. "For us, it's
the best team in the NFL right now. One loss. They lost to
Washington. They have a star-studded roster.
"... Jalen (Hurts) is playing phenomenal. Those receivers are,
they're exceptional, (as is the) O-line, defensive line,
corners. They've got a star-studded cast."
If the Giants hope to upstage the NFC East leaders, they must
figure out how to finish games. In last Sunday's 20-20 tie with
the Commanders, New York gained just 112 yards across nine
possessions in the second half and overtime.
"We felt like we should have won that game with the
opportunities that we were given," safety Julian Love said. "But
for every game, you feel that way. I think we just chip away at
it and grind away at it. ... We have an opportunity in front of
us with the Eagles."
Following a promising 6-1 start to the season, the Giants are
still looking for their first win in the division (0-2-1). The
only other teams in the NFL without a division win are the
Chicago Bears and Denver Broncos.
The Giants are facing an Eagles team that is 5-0 on the road --
including three wins by three points or fewer -- and playing the
first of three straight games away from home. Philadelphia has
won three in a row since its Week 10 loss to the Commanders,
including a 35-10 victory last Sunday against the Tennessee
Titans.
The Eagles (11-1) can clinch a playoff berth with a win or tie
on Sunday. Alternatively, they could also secure a postseason
spot with losses by both San Francisco and Seattle.
Hurts earned NFC Offensive Player of the Week honors for the
second straight game after passing for 380 yards and three
touchdowns and also rushing for a score against the Titans. The
last Eagle to claim back-to-back weekly honors was Michael Vick
in 2010.
Hurts completed just 51.7 percent of his passes for 328 yards in
his two previous starts against the Giants. It's his worst
completion percentage against any opponent he has faced more
than once.
In last season's meeting in the Meadowlands, Hurts was picked
off three times in a 13-7 defeat. He has only thrown three
interceptions on 357 pass attempts so far this season.
The Eagles are more concerned with Giants quarterback Daniel
Jones, particularly his mobility (career-high 522 rushing yards,
just 87 fewer than Hurts) combined with the resurgence of
running back Saquon Barkley (1,055 rushing yards, eight
touchdowns).
"We've got a big-time challenge ahead of us, and we've got to be
on it," Philadelphia defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon said.
"It's a game where you can't just line up and play your stuff,
or you will get gashed."
Barkley popped up on the Giants' injury report as a limited
participant Thursday and Friday due to a neck injury. He's
listed as questionable to face the Eagles, while defensive
lineman Leonard Williams (neck) is doubtful. Defensive back
Adoree' Jackson (knee) and offensive linemen Josh Ezeudu (neck)
and Shane Lemieux (toe) were ruled out.
Philadelphia ruled out only linebacker Shaun Bradley
(hamstring). Fellow linebacker Kyzir White (ankle) and wide
receiver Quez Watkins (shoulder) will play after being limited
earlier in the week.
--Field Level Media
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